The SPFL have released a statement explaining why tickets for the Aberdeen-Rangers Betfred Cup semi-final still say the match kicks off at noon on Sunday.

After initial plans for a two-game super Sunday were slammed by the clubs, fans and authorities alike, the game was pushed back to 4.30pm, with Hearts v Celtic moved to Murrayfield earlier in the day.

With tickets beginning to find their way to fans ahead of this weekend, including those in the Red Army, some expressed surprise to see the original kick-off time on their briefs.

An SPFL statement said: “A change to the kick-off time for the Betfred Cup semi-final match between Aberdeen and Rangers at Hampden Park on Sunday was announced on Wednesday 3 October.

“After consulting both Aberdeen and Rangers, it was unanimously agreed that the already printed tickets – detailing the original kick-off time – should be issued to all supporters.

“This decision was taken to enable the clubs and their supporters to secure their tickets for the match as early as possible, and to help them make the necessary travel arrangements, as a full reprint would have taken at least eight days.

“Both clubs also agreed on 3 October to include an information slip with all tickets sold to supporters detailing the revised kick-off time for the fixture and to confirm that the tickets are valid for the match, regardless of the original kick-off time.”

Meanwhile, John Beaton has been announced as the referee for the match.